Amphiphilic Nanostructure in Choline Carboxylate and Amino Acid Ionic Liquids and Solutions

The liquid structures of six choline carboxylate/amino acid ionic liquids (bio-ILs) and their mixtures with water and various n-alkanols have been investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The ILs exhibit long-range amphiphilic nanostructure comprised of polar and apolar domains that can be controlled by choice of anion, and which is tolerant to water dilution. Mixtures with n-alkanols can lead to marked changes in domain size and ordering. Utilising the Teubner-Strey model, we find amphiphilicity factors in many of these mixtures are comparable to those observed in conventional microemulsions, and that cooperative assembly in bio-IL/alkanol mixtures can enhance amphiphilicity, with potential to improve performance in a range of applications.